Aug. 7, 2008

The University of South Carolina football team practiced through some rainy weather Thursday night at the Bluff Road “Proving Grounds.” The squad was in full pads for the first time this season. The final portion of the practice session featured many of the younger Gamecocks squaring off in an 11-on-11 scrimmage. It was the final open practice to the public until further notice.

“Everybody got soaked, but after that the weather was pretty good,” said Head Coach Steve Spurrier following the workout. “We got a lot of plays in.”

Unfortunately, the Gamecocks did not come out of the practice unscathed. Senior tailback Mike Davis injured his left shoulder early in the practice session. “Mike Davis just fell on the ground in a drill. Nobody touched him, but he hurt his shoulder a little bit. He will probably be out at least a week or so.” Brian Maddox will move up to the number one tailback position in Davis’s absence. Taylor Rank and Eric Baker back up Maddox.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia had an opportunity to showcase his skills in the scrimmage. “About what you’d expect,” said Coach Spurrier of Garcia’s performance. “He was all over the place. The protection wasn’t very good and not many guys were open so he ran around quite a bit.”

Coach Spurrier also announced that walk-on fullback Jim Hutton would have to undergo surgery on his injured right knee and is most likely lost for the season.

The Gamecocks are scheduled to practice again Friday night at 7:30 p.m. then will scrimmage on Saturday afternoon. Both sessions are closed. Fan Appreciation Day will be held Sunday, August 10 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Colonial Life Arena.